Located in a vast, green-belt valley in the Coast Mountains, Pemberton (pop 2,600) is an easy 2.5-hour drive from Vancouver, 35km/22mi north of Whistler. Although so close to the famous resort, Pemberton is the antithesis of gentrified Whistler.
Pemberton's easy access to out-of-the-ordinary wilderness makes it the preferred choice for die-hard outdoor sportspeople and extreme adventurers. Better still, small parts of that wilderness have been tamed so that visitors of all ages and abilities can get a feel for their wild side.
Airborne Activities
The topography is Mecca for mountain bikers and in addition to other land-based adventures, there are exhilarating airborne activities such as sky diving, paragliding and soaring the wind currents in a glider as they rise up against Mount Currie, Pemberton's 2,600m/8,450ft signature peak.
Winter Action
Whistler may have its world-class downhill ski mountains and a beautiful ski resort to boot, but there's a self-styled one-upmanship that just 30 minutes north, Pemberton has everything else – naturally.
Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Ice Fishing
Come winter, snowmobiles crisscross the countryside, skaters take to the frozen lakes, and snowshoers and skiers follow summer hiking trails through snow-covered forests. Snowmobiling and backcountry skiing are big winter activities though ice fishing and ice climbing are gaining popularity.
Some equipment rentals are available at Spud Valley Outfitters but in general, visitors need to be self sufficient to explore Pemberton's winter landscapes.
Provincial Parks
Several provincial parks in the Pemberton area have networks of multi-use trails, well maintained campsites and awe-inspiring scenery that everyone can experience whether out-of-shape ambler or hard-core hiker. For example, an easy 1.5km/0.9mi walk leads to the beautifully sculpted Nairn Falls while more experienced hikers might consider portaging a canoe up the steep ascent to the Upper Joffre Lake.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife is everywhere. Meander around One Mile Lake and see trumpeter swans in November as well as a host of mergansers, ducks and loons. Meanwhile at Birkenhead, Duffey Lake and outlying areas, watch for spawning salmon, osprey and bear tracks, if not the bears themselves.
Agricultural Heritage
With its sheltered location, nutrient rich soils and warmer-than-Whistler weather, the valley has cultivated a highly successful virus-free, seed potato industry; hence its nickname "Spud Valley." Exported internationally, these potatoes are now creating a silky-smooth sipping vodka; a boutique label that will soon be followed by a single malt whisky.
Agriculture Tours
Beyond potatoes, the ever-growing farming community is becoming a hot agri-tourism destination. Many farms offer an array of organic produce for direct purchase, and others open their gates to u-pickers and purchasers of farm-made honeys, salsas and preserves.
Getting Started
Drop by the Pemberton Visitor Centre, located at the corner of Hwy 99 and Portage Road, to pick up brochures, trail maps and information on the surrounding parks, lakes, rivers and farms.
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